Books by Gary Graybill

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Today is the Anniversary of the Death of Osama bin Laden

I know, today is "May Day" -bu this is more inportant....On May 1st, 2011 Osama bin Laden was killed during a raid in Pakistan by Navy SEALS. When New Yorkers heard the news, they flooded the streets in celebration. Check out this photo from that night:

Celebrating the death of a human being is not a very civilized thing to do. But, in the case of Osama bin Laden, I think I'll bow to my barbarian side and have a quite drink in celebration. Whatever else he may have been, he was a dangerous enemy and responsible for thousands of deaths. The world is a far safer and better place without him in it.

But, the anniversary of his death brings more than celebration. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security released a bulletin warning of possible terror attacks on the anniversary of Osama bin Laden's death. The advisory said there are no specific or credible threats but officials are still concerned that a "lone wolf" terrorist would view an anniversary attack, on May 1st, "as a symbolic victory."

The Yemen group, known as al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP, has been a persistent concern since 2009, when one of its adherents nearly brought down a jetliner over Detroit. In the past six months, counter-terrorism officials have seen what they consider an increase in intelligence about potential threats from the group, according to an intelligence official speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information.

So, if you are traveling today, or are attending any "May Day" celebrations, just keep your eyes and ears open and be careful -not paranoid, just careful.